Shortly before 10.30p.m. on Friday the trees were pulled from the ground, branches and trunks were snapped and scattered on the road. The residents committee had fundraised for the trees and planted them over 10 years ago.

'It is just desperate what they have done,' said spokeswoman for the residents Frances McGowan. 'It is just so disheartening to see. The committee here has done really good work and we are outraged at such mindless vandalism to destroy 10 years of growth in 10 or 15 minutes, it is just so destructive.'

Neighbours were alerted to the damage by motorists as the road in to the estate was blocked by the discarded trees.

Carlow Gardaí are investigating the matter and have asked for anyone who may have noticed something to contact them on (059) 9136620.

'We are asking people to vigilant,' she added. 'It is awful to come out of your house and to see damage like that. We were out on the road until midnight and that's not really how you would like to spend your Friday night.

'The committee here works hard and the trees were looking so well at this time of the year with their Autumn leaves. It makes no sense.'